New leadership named as G21 relaunches in slimmed-down form

THE G21 Geelong Region Alliance has appointed new leadership as it relaunches under a restructured operating model following its mid-2025 reset.

Colac Otway Shire mayor, Jason Schram, has been elected chair of the new-look alliance, with City of Greater Geelong mayor, Stretch Kontelj, appointed deputy chair.

The two mayors will lead the alliance as its public representatives, with G21 now operating as a council-only advocacy body focused on securing government investment and influencing policy outcomes for the region.

The body has identified infrastructure, housing, jobs, transport and improved liveability across the region as key priorities.

The alliance brings together the five councils of the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe. The chief executives from each council remain on the G21 board.

Cr Schram said the refocused alliance would prioritise fair access to funding across all member municipalities.

“We are focused on securing a fair share of government investment across this region and will be driving a new advocacy model focused on just this,” he said.

“As Colac Otway’s mayor, my election as G21 chair represents the organisation’s ongoing focus on the region, including but not limited to Geelong. I look forward to working with Cr Kontelj and the rest of G21 to ensure our communities are well represented.”

Cr Kontelj said the slimmed-down alliance was building on its long history while adapting to new constraints.

“Our mission is firmly focused on local governments engaging stakeholders for vital investment and policy outcomes,” he said.

“The alliance has achieved great things in its 21-year history, and we are committed to ensuring this legacy continues for many years to come.”

The appointments follow a major restructure to the lobby body, announced in September, motivated by budget pressures affecting G21’s member councils.

The changes saw the alliance transition away from a staffed organisation with multiple project “pillars” to a streamlined advocacy body led directly by councils.

Former member organisations are no longer formal members of the alliance but will continue to be engaged as stakeholders on relevant priorities.

Borough of Queenscliffe mayor, Cr Donnie Grigau, said the borough welcomed its inclusion in the recast alliance, despite previously signalling its intention to withdraw under the former model.

“The Borough of Queenscliffe is looking forward to working alongside its neighbouring councils to focus on collaborative solutions for social, economic and environmental prosperity,” he said.

“The G21 Alliance will allow us to come together to advocate to state and federal government on behalf of our communities and the needs of the region.”